Fall 2017 - 42900 - TC 358 - Plan II Junior Seminar

Intelligence and Statecraft

Intelligence has been called “the hidden dimension” of statecraft. Based on the principle that intelligence has value only when it contributes to wise decision-making, this course is intended to benefit all students interested in foreign affairs and national security policy, with its focus on intelligence “performance,” vs. intelligence “process.” The course addresses intelligence methods; how intelligence succeeds and fails; inherent ethical tensions and dilemmas; as well as the components, activities, authorities, structure and oversight of the Intelligence Community. Student research will focus on intelligence performance in historical cases (from 1941 to the present). Current events will also be used to introduce students to the written and oral communication techniques used by intelligence professionals.